Story by
Charlotte Hornets depth chart: Projecting starters, backups for 2025-26 season
- Story by
- Charlotte Hornets depth chart: Projecting starters, backups for 2025-26 season
After an active offseason, the Charlotte Hornets continued their rebuilding efforts by adding several new players, including four selections in the 2025 NBA draft.
The Hornets again moved Mark Williams but acquired Pat Connaughton and Collin Sexton through separate trades, while signing free agents Spencer Dinwiddie and Mason Plumlee . The front office also re-signed Tre Mann to a three-year, $24 million contract.
Advertisement
The team drafted Kon Knueppel (No. 4 pick), Liam McNeeley (29th), Sion James (33rd) and Ryan Kalkbrenner (34th) in June. The group led the Hornets to the NBA Summer League championship for the first time, which has created plenty of excitement heading into the season.
Related NBA 2K26: Ratings revealed for the first round of the 2025 NBA draft
Charlotte currently has 18 players signed to the roster and will need to trim it to no more than 15 standard contracts by opening night. Though the team isn't expected to add any other players, the front office still has additional moves to make in the coming days.
With the team opening training camp on Sept. 30, Rookie Wire examined the Hornets' depth chart and offered an early projection of the starters and backups entering the season.
Advertisement
PG
Jan 25, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) brings the ball up court against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
-
LaMelo Ball : $37,958,760
-
Collin Sexton: $18,975,000
-
Tre Mann: $8,000,000
SG
Jan 12, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) reacts after making a basket against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
-
Brandon Miller : $11,968,000
-
Josh Green : $13,666,667
-
Pat Connaughton: $9,423,869
SF
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 11: Kon Knueppel #7 of the Charlotte Hornets drives past Max Abmas #30 of the Utah Jazz in the second half of a 2025 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 11, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Hornets defeated the Jazz 111-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)
-
Kon Knueppel: $10,015,680
-
Liam McNeeley: $2,763,960
-
Sion James: $2,296,274
PF
Apr 6, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) drives to the basket against the Chicago Bulls during the first quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images
-
Miles Bridges : $25,000,000
-
Tidjane Salaün: $7,863,240
-
Grant Williams : $13,645,500*
*Injured
C
Apr 4, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate (14) goes to the basket against Sacramento Kings center Isaac Jones (3) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
-
Moussa Diabate: $2,270,735
-
Mason Plumlee: $2,296,274
-
Ryan Kalkbrenner: $2,296,274
Two-Way Contracts
Hornets salary information via Spotrac
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Hornets depth chart: Projecting starters, backups for 2025-26 season
